Effects of speed and incline on double-poling biomechanics
摘要
This study investigated the independent and combined effects of incline and speed on the kinetics and cycle characteristics of double poling. Seventeen trained male cross-country skiers completed a maximum speed, a maximum incline, and a constant-power-output test on a motorized treadmill. Axial pole force was measured throughout all tests using ski poles equipped with force sensors. The results indicated that the proportion of propulsive pole force relative to axial pole force (i.e., the pole force ratio) decreased linearly with increasing speed, which was explained by declining poling time. Contrarily, the pole force ratio and poling time barely changed by increasing incline; however, considerable inter-individual variation emerged in the former. A large proportion of variables describing cycle characteristics and poling kinetics differed significantly between the final completed stages of the maximum speed and maximum incline tests. Additionally, participants’ performance in these tests showed a moderate correlation (